Are hand loads a no-no for self-defense?
You hear it from the top “experts” on down to the guy standing next to you at the gun shop counter.
“You shouldn’t use hand loads for self defense. You could be charged criminally or sued civilly if you do”.
Despite the fervent ardor of this undying mantra, there seems to be a distinct shortage of case examples when any of these ‘advisors’ are asked to provide one. A case in which hand loaded ammunition was the basis for criminal prosecution or civil litigation. Yet they insist their behavior is legitimate, somehow.
Do these cases even exist except in the minds of the professors of such divine knowledge?
My contention is exactly that. That the mantra is simply regurgitated in gun shops, at gun shows (and on internet discussion boards) with no basis in fact. Or, that if these cases in fact do exist, they are so rare as to not be a factor for consideration in the selection of defensive ammunition.
I further offer that decisions regarding preparation for an anticipated event should be made based upon specific things. I think we would all agree that when planning for an event, we make our decision based on experience, reasoned foresight, and the intent to encompass contingency based upon likelihood. We should be especially diligent regarding those choices involving self-defense.
In previous discussions regarding this topic, I have witnessed a trend in the opinions of the “factory only ammunition” crowd. The defense of their selection typically involves pure conjecture. Essentially, all they offer are hypothetical scenarios. I am not asking for “what-if scenarios” but rather identifiable cases that can be verified. Cases where the hand loaded ammunition became an issue for the intended victim in a civil (or perhaps a criminal) case.
I am talking about a justifiable self-defense shooting (no Grand Jury indictment) in which hand loads are used. Hand loads that are manufactured with commercially available standard components in a standard and legal configuration with no Federal, State or local laws being broken.
If you are one of the “factory ammunition only” crowd, I am interested in hearing on what factual basis you have made your selection.
Could we be guilty of perpetuating a mythical fear of a truly non-existent demon amongst ourselves? Are there legitimate documented reasons for practicing this behavior, or are many of us simply Pavlov’s dogs under a self-inflicted and slightly different regimen?
I must stress again that we should not be looking for hypothetical scenarios (this is key to the legitimacy of any discussion surrounding this issue).
You hear it from the top “experts” on down to the guy standing next to you at the gun shop counter.
“You shouldn’t use hand loads for self defense. You could be charged criminally or sued civilly if you do”.
Despite the fervent ardor of this undying mantra, there seems to be a distinct shortage of case examples when any of these ‘advisors’ are asked to provide one. A case in which hand loaded ammunition was the basis for criminal prosecution or civil litigation. Yet they insist their behavior is legitimate, somehow.
Do these cases even exist except in the minds of the professors of such divine knowledge?
My contention is exactly that. That the mantra is simply regurgitated in gun shops, at gun shows (and on internet discussion boards) with no basis in fact. Or, that if these cases in fact do exist, they are so rare as to not be a factor for consideration in the selection of defensive ammunition.
I further offer that decisions regarding preparation for an anticipated event should be made based upon specific things. I think we would all agree that when planning for an event, we make our decision based on experience, reasoned foresight, and the intent to encompass contingency based upon likelihood. We should be especially diligent regarding those choices involving self-defense.
In previous discussions regarding this topic, I have witnessed a trend in the opinions of the “factory only ammunition” crowd. The defense of their selection typically involves pure conjecture. Essentially, all they offer are hypothetical scenarios. I am not asking for “what-if scenarios” but rather identifiable cases that can be verified. Cases where the hand loaded ammunition became an issue for the intended victim in a civil (or perhaps a criminal) case.
I am talking about a justifiable self-defense shooting (no Grand Jury indictment) in which hand loads are used. Hand loads that are manufactured with commercially available standard components in a standard and legal configuration with no Federal, State or local laws being broken.
If you are one of the “factory ammunition only” crowd, I am interested in hearing on what factual basis you have made your selection.
Could we be guilty of perpetuating a mythical fear of a truly non-existent demon amongst ourselves? Are there legitimate documented reasons for practicing this behavior, or are many of us simply Pavlov’s dogs under a self-inflicted and slightly different regimen?
I must stress again that we should not be looking for hypothetical scenarios (this is key to the legitimacy of any discussion surrounding this issue).
I don't need documented cases of where this has happened. I know our screwed up justice system well enough to believe that this COULD happen, and since the factory stuff is MORE than sufficient for my needs, why risk it?